Yes, Suzie - they definitely know one another! I remember your DS did a flyover a few years ago, right? Was it at a Penn State football game? Our DS is Training Officer for Blacklions now.
And congrats on official wedding - our DS' wedding was a year after JP marriage. I'm sure your beloved husband will be there in spirit!
The overlaps in the last ten posts have prompted me to post. My wife and her five siblings were born and raised in State College. Her dad was on faculty and all six kids attended Penn State for undergraduate school. My son was a Wildcat. He participated in a missing man flyover at Arlington National Cemetery for the funeral of ADM Kinnear in 2016. He did another flyover at a Titans game in Nashville. Before entering the aviation pipeline my son was an enlisted Nuke! It's been a wild ride! Fifteen years and counting active duty service.
Chris - That's wild our son has moved quite a bit. There was a point where they were moving every year. He was commissioned out of NROTC as a Navy Nurse. Then pressed for the opportunity to go to flight school and lateraled from the Nurse Corp to become an Unrestricted Line Officer. From delivering babies to flying helos. He has been stationed all over, plus 3 sea tours and an IA in Afghanistan. Now they are all living over seas. He has two more years on these orders. Then who knows, he’s at 24 years now.
I just love reading about the amazing careers your aviators are having. My son has his flight physical on Monday in Pensacola, then we await the big decision in October. We're very hopeful that he will get chosen for flight training. But he wouldn't be too disappointed if he gets NFO. He loved his time in Jacksonville this summer with a P-8 squadron.
I'm amazed at how many details from his childhood health history they want for this physical on Monday. They leave no stone unturned!
Glenni, I hope your son's flight physical goes well. My son had to wait an extra week after OCS while they reviewed the medical notes from shoulder surgery he had in the 10th grade. He is a P8 pilot and loves it.
I’m not sure what’s going to happen. He’s there, but apparently the base is only open right now for mission critical reasons bc of Ida. We’ll see what happens.
My son just found out that he will be going to Pensacola!!! He got the aviator designation. He said apparently this year there was a "draft" for aviators because at least one of his friends who had put NFO as first choice and aviator as second got aviator, too. I'm so happy for him! Now his wife can start looking for teaching jobs in the Pensacola area for next semester. If anybody has any suggestions about better school districts, please let me know!
Thank you so much for the input Suzie. Since he's graduating in December, she should be able to take a job for second semester there. He's actually hoping to fly the SeaHawk, and I believe that training is also in that area. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong. But she is also open to subbing.
I'm excited to learn all about API and how it works.
Huskermom, when did your son start? What is your son doing now?
Glenni -- I agree with Suzie. Time in Pens can be relatively short, and even if he wants to fly the SeaHawk what he actually flies often depends on Navy needs at the time. Substituting may be a great option, or a maternity substitute??
On another note -- if you get down there to visit you MUST go to the National Naval Aviation Museum. It is fabulous.
Just an update: He passed the methocholine challenge with no problems on Monday and was officially cleared to become an aviator! I don't know why I was so nervous about this, but I was. Anyway, he commissions 3 weeks from today. I figure he'll probably get his PCS to Pensacola some time in January or February. I'm really excited for him!
May I just say that I HATE NAMI!!!! My son graduated and commissioned this past weekend. He has orders for the end of February, but he won't receive them until NAMI finishes dotting their i's and crossing their t's! Apparently they still haven't officially cleared him even though the flight surgeon said he was good to go.
Right before commissioning, his commander told him that he had earned the right to commission, and would be commissioning as a SNA, but that he needed to understand that redesignation was still a slim possibility.
Has anybody else ever dealt with anything like this??
Hi Glenni! My DS had to wait weeks in RI for a similar clearance. It eventually came through but as I recall, he received an empty envelope at commissioning. They let him participate in the ceremony tho so we got lots of photos of him in uniform and we had a great celebration regardless. It all worked out in the end. They just move slowly.
Hi Glenni...I feel your frustration. But, rest assured, everyone of us can give you an example of delays and frustrations. It is not unusual at all. And unfortunately, nothing is assured until it actually happens. We have all had to get used to nail-biting our way thru our aviator's path. So, hang in there. My DS commissioned almost 10 years ago. He still deals with uncertainty and delays with every new assignment. And don't get me started on DETs and deployments! And know that we are here for you...feel free to vent anytime!
Our DS will be here with his family for Christmas! Yay! But he deploys soon after the first of the year. So, I'm back to heavy-duty praying for them all.
And, with a text for a 'see you later', he is off. Flew out to the carrier. The pit in my stomach is back. I've got my anchor necklace on (I wear it when he's deployed) and I'm making my plans to visit my DIL and grands to give her a break. Even tho' I know the drill, it isn't really any easier. Thanks for understanding!
CheriH - Sending hugs. My DS was supposed to be with them. That ended up not happening, but I could feel myself choking up whenever I thought about it. I totally get it.
NAVPERS finally signed off on the NAMI recommendation that my son be granted a waiver to fly! I'm really proud of both him and his wife for their perseverance during this time. He has gone into work each day at the unit and tried to remain in good spirits even though he knew he wouldn't get paid for this time. I hope that this experience will help him be a better, more understanding, compassionate officer someday!
Now I'm just excited about them moving to Pensacola...just waiting on the final orders!
He received his orders....His separation date from his ROTC unit at Auburn is on a Monday, and that's also moving day! He has to report at NAS Pensacola Tuesday morning! He's got a good attitude about it, though and is hustling to get his CAC and Tricare all set up before he leaves...he just has 3 weeks to get everything done!
It looks like my hubby and I may go down on Sunday before they leave to help them get all loaded up!
So glad for him Glenni! That seems to be the Navy way....lots of hurry up and wait; and then a flurry of activity. Have fun helping them move...but take care of your back. Ha!
When we went to help our DS and family move in October, it was wonderful to see 6 strong aviators show up and load the furniture like it was toothpicks! They do take care of their own.
They are on their way to a new adventure. Enjoy the ride!
I'm really hoping that his buddy who's already in Pensacola will be able to have one or two guys meet them to help them unload on the Monday afternoon when they get there!
He is feeling very much relieved at getting thru all the training. And now my worries take a different turn, lol. The only thinking that has kept me sane thru his private and instrument training and then the Naval training is that I have to trust in the instructors that taught him, and his talents that have gotten him this far. He is flying the Super Hornet with the Black Lions.
Yes, Andy'smom...you nailed it. But you still can trust in their training and his talent. You've made it this far too...hang in there and know that we are all feeling the same things!!!
Aahhhh. Such a feeling of relief. The Lincoln pulled into Pearl Harbor this week and my DIL and kids flew to spend a week with our DS. It's been a long and hard deployment. After the week together the Lincoln does RIMPAC and then he comes home. So, it's downhill from here on his 3rd deployment. Now to hear his next assignment. Crossing our fingers it's not another immediate deployment.
Huskermom...let's see. He left on his first one in Feb of 2016. Second one in Oct of 2018. Came home and immediately went to Fallon for Topgun for 3 months. Then left this time in Jan of 2022. So,3 deployments in 6 1/2 years. He will get a new assignment this fall; just praying it's not a squadron that deploys soon. It would be really hard on our DIL and their kids.
Glenni
NFAO. that is really cool! What a special privilege!!!
Aug 1, 2021
NFAO
Yes, Suzie - they definitely know one another! I remember your DS did a flyover a few years ago, right? Was it at a Penn State football game? Our DS is Training Officer for Blacklions now.
And congrats on official wedding - our DS' wedding was a year after JP marriage. I'm sure your beloved husband will be there in spirit!
Aug 4, 2021
Chris
The overlaps in the last ten posts have prompted me to post. My wife and her five siblings were born and raised in State College. Her dad was on faculty and all six kids attended Penn State for undergraduate school. My son was a Wildcat. He participated in a missing man flyover at Arlington National Cemetery for the funeral of ADM Kinnear in 2016. He did another flyover at a Titans game in Nashville. Before entering the aviation pipeline my son was an enlisted Nuke! It's been a wild ride! Fifteen years and counting active duty service.
Aug 18, 2021
Chris
My son has been on the East Coast his entire career. It started in Great Lakes...
Aug 19, 2021
Helomom
Chris - That's wild our son has moved quite a bit. There was a point where they were moving every year. He was commissioned out of NROTC as a Navy Nurse. Then pressed for the opportunity to go to flight school and lateraled from the Nurse Corp to become an Unrestricted Line Officer. From delivering babies to flying helos. He has been stationed all over, plus 3 sea tours and an IA in Afghanistan. Now they are all living over seas. He has two more years on these orders. Then who knows, he’s at 24 years now.
Aug 19, 2021
Chris
Helomom - My son moved nine times in 14 years. I suppose he will have a few more before his Navy career is over.
Aug 21, 2021
Glenni
I just love reading about the amazing careers your aviators are having. My son has his flight physical on Monday in Pensacola, then we await the big decision in October. We're very hopeful that he will get chosen for flight training. But he wouldn't be too disappointed if he gets NFO. He loved his time in Jacksonville this summer with a P-8 squadron.
I'm amazed at how many details from his childhood health history they want for this physical on Monday. They leave no stone unturned!
Aug 28, 2021
LoniJ
Glenni, I hope your son's flight physical goes well. My son had to wait an extra week after OCS while they reviewed the medical notes from shoulder surgery he had in the 10th grade. He is a P8 pilot and loves it.
Aug 28, 2021
Glenni
I’m not sure what’s going to happen. He’s there, but apparently the base is only open right now for mission critical reasons bc of Ida. We’ll see what happens.
Aug 29, 2021
Glenni
Well, the selection board has met, so in the next couple of weeks we'll know if our son gets to go to Pensacola!!!
Sep 27, 2021
redheadlass
Sep 27, 2021
Glenni
My son just found out that he will be going to Pensacola!!! He got the aviator designation. He said apparently this year there was a "draft" for aviators because at least one of his friends who had put NFO as first choice and aviator as second got aviator, too. I'm so happy for him! Now his wife can start looking for teaching jobs in the Pensacola area for next semester. If anybody has any suggestions about better school districts, please let me know!
Oct 14, 2021
Helomom
Exciting news, Glenni! Congratulations to your son. A new adventure is beginning!
Oct 14, 2021
Huskermom
Congratulations! My son just finished the first API. It does go really quickly.
Oct 14, 2021
Allison
Congratulations Glenni! Great news!
Oct 14, 2021
Glenni
Thank you so much for the input Suzie. Since he's graduating in December, she should be able to take a job for second semester there. He's actually hoping to fly the SeaHawk, and I believe that training is also in that area. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong. But she is also open to subbing.
I'm excited to learn all about API and how it works.
Huskermom, when did your son start? What is your son doing now?
Oct 14, 2021
J/J Mom
Glenni -- I agree with Suzie. Time in Pens can be relatively short, and even if he wants to fly the SeaHawk what he actually flies often depends on Navy needs at the time. Substituting may be a great option, or a maternity substitute??
On another note -- if you get down there to visit you MUST go to the National Naval Aviation Museum. It is fabulous.
Godspeed.
Oct 25, 2021
Glenni
Thanks so much J/J Mom!!! Y'all are so helpful. She is starting to check into options!
Oct 25, 2021
Glenni
Did anybody's aviator have to do the Methocholine Challenge? How was it? My son is having it tomorrow
Nov 8, 2021
CheriH
Glenni...never heard of it. What is it?
Nov 8, 2021
LoniJ
I never heard of it but then again I really didn't keep up with all my son went through.
Nov 8, 2021
Andy'sMom
Glenni,
That is a test used to diagnose asthma.
Nov 8, 2021
Glenni
Andy'sMom, did your son have to have it? We've had two PFT's which he passed with no problem.
Nov 8, 2021
Glenni
Just an update: He passed the methocholine challenge with no problems on Monday and was officially cleared to become an aviator! I don't know why I was so nervous about this, but I was. Anyway, he commissions 3 weeks from today. I figure he'll probably get his PCS to Pensacola some time in January or February. I'm really excited for him!
Nov 19, 2021
Glenni
May I just say that I HATE NAMI!!!! My son graduated and commissioned this past weekend. He has orders for the end of February, but he won't receive them until NAMI finishes dotting their i's and crossing their t's! Apparently they still haven't officially cleared him even though the flight surgeon said he was good to go.
Right before commissioning, his commander told him that he had earned the right to commission, and would be commissioning as a SNA, but that he needed to understand that redesignation was still a slim possibility.
Has anybody else ever dealt with anything like this??
Dec 16, 2021
Allison
Hi Glenni! My DS had to wait weeks in RI for a similar clearance. It eventually came through but as I recall, he received an empty envelope at commissioning. They let him participate in the ceremony tho so we got lots of photos of him in uniform and we had a great celebration regardless. It all worked out in the end. They just move slowly.
Dec 16, 2021
CheriH
Hi Glenni...I feel your frustration. But, rest assured, everyone of us can give you an example of delays and frustrations. It is not unusual at all. And unfortunately, nothing is assured until it actually happens. We have all had to get used to nail-biting our way thru our aviator's path. So, hang in there. My DS commissioned almost 10 years ago. He still deals with uncertainty and delays with every new assignment. And don't get me started on DETs and deployments! And know that we are here for you...feel free to vent anytime!
Our DS will be here with his family for Christmas! Yay! But he deploys soon after the first of the year. So, I'm back to heavy-duty praying for them all.
May all of you have a very Merry Christmas!
Dec 16, 2021
Huskermom
Congratulations and best wishes, Suzie! Glad they can have a beautiful wedding and you get to be there and unwind with them.
Take care!
Dec 16, 2021
Glenni
Thank you all so much for your encouraging words.
Suzie, How wonderful that you get to attend their wedding!!
Dec 18, 2021
Chris
Suzie,
I sent you a friend request, wanted to PM you about our sons. They must know each other...
Dec 25, 2021
CheriH
And, with a text for a 'see you later', he is off. Flew out to the carrier. The pit in my stomach is back. I've got my anchor necklace on (I wear it when he's deployed) and I'm making my plans to visit my DIL and grands to give her a break. Even tho' I know the drill, it isn't really any easier. Thanks for understanding!
Jan 5, 2022
Glenni
I love the anchor necklace idea. Hugs!!
Jan 5, 2022
Huskermom
I have my anchor necklace on, too.
BNMH to you, CheriH!
Jan 6, 2022
Allison
CheriH - Sending hugs. My DS was supposed to be with them. That ended up not happening, but I could feel myself choking up whenever I thought about it. I totally get it.
Jan 6, 2022
Glenni
NAVPERS finally signed off on the NAMI recommendation that my son be granted a waiver to fly! I'm really proud of both him and his wife for their perseverance during this time. He has gone into work each day at the unit and tried to remain in good spirits even though he knew he wouldn't get paid for this time. I hope that this experience will help him be a better, more understanding, compassionate officer someday!
Now I'm just excited about them moving to Pensacola...just waiting on the final orders!
Jan 21, 2022
CheriH
So glad for him Glenni! Each challenge they face and conquer gives them confidence to attack the next one.
Jan 23, 2022
Allison
Congratulations, Glenni! He must be thrilled!
Jan 23, 2022
Glenni
He received his orders....His separation date from his ROTC unit at Auburn is on a Monday, and that's also moving day! He has to report at NAS Pensacola Tuesday morning! He's got a good attitude about it, though and is hustling to get his CAC and Tricare all set up before he leaves...he just has 3 weeks to get everything done!
It looks like my hubby and I may go down on Sunday before they leave to help them get all loaded up!
Feb 1, 2022
redheadlass
Congrats Glenni! They won’t be in Pensacola for long!
Feb 1, 2022
CheriH
So glad for him Glenni! That seems to be the Navy way....lots of hurry up and wait; and then a flurry of activity. Have fun helping them move...but take care of your back. Ha!
When we went to help our DS and family move in October, it was wonderful to see 6 strong aviators show up and load the furniture like it was toothpicks! They do take care of their own.
They are on their way to a new adventure. Enjoy the ride!
Feb 2, 2022
Glenni
Cheri,
I'm really hoping that his buddy who's already in Pensacola will be able to have one or two guys meet them to help them unload on the Monday afternoon when they get there!
Feb 2, 2022
Andy'sMom
My DS is finally out of the RAG! He patched today. I guess now the real fun starts!
Jun 15, 2022
Glenni
Congratulations, Andy'sMom!!
Jun 15, 2022
CheriH
That is so exciting, Andy'sMom! There is a feeling of "I finally made it" that is well-deserved. What is he flying?
Congrats to all of you for making it through this challenging process!
Jun 16, 2022
Andy'sMom
Thank you Glenni and CheriH!
He is feeling very much relieved at getting thru all the training. And now my worries take a different turn, lol. The only thinking that has kept me sane thru his private and instrument training and then the Naval training is that I have to trust in the instructors that taught him, and his talents that have gotten him this far. He is flying the Super Hornet with the Black Lions.
Jun 16, 2022
Huskermom
Congratulations, Andy'sMom!
Jun 16, 2022
CheriH
Yes, Andy'smom...you nailed it. But you still can trust in their training and his talent. You've made it this far too...hang in there and know that we are all feeling the same things!!!
Jun 17, 2022
CheriH
Aahhhh. Such a feeling of relief. The Lincoln pulled into Pearl Harbor this week and my DIL and kids flew to spend a week with our DS. It's been a long and hard deployment. After the week together the Lincoln does RIMPAC and then he comes home. So, it's downhill from here on his 3rd deployment. Now to hear his next assignment. Crossing our fingers it's not another immediate deployment.
Jul 1, 2022
Huskermom
What great news, CheriH! Can I ask - three deployments over how many years?
Jul 1, 2022
CheriH
Huskermom...let's see. He left on his first one in Feb of 2016. Second one in Oct of 2018. Came home and immediately went to Fallon for Topgun for 3 months. Then left this time in Jan of 2022. So,3 deployments in 6 1/2 years. He will get a new assignment this fall; just praying it's not a squadron that deploys soon. It would be really hard on our DIL and their kids.
Jul 3, 2022